Anderson: I need more practice

James Anderson, right, did not bowl in the second innings of England's drawn match against a WA Chairman's XI

James Anderson needs to bowl again to prepare properly for the Ashes - but may have to wait his turn as England try to identify their third seamer for the first Test.

Anderson did not bowl in the second innings of the drawn opening tour match against a WA Chairman's XI in Perth - where England made sure Boyd Rankin, Steven Finn and Chris Tremlett all had a second chance to impress and improve after their initial struggles.

They each did, to an extent. But more evidence will be required before England decide which of them supports Anderson and Stuart Broad at the Gabba.

Broad was rested at the WACA, as was off-spinner Graeme Swann. With both back, and other issues to address too among the batsmen, England are unlikely to be able to find space for more than one of their tall trio unless Anderson sits out the four-day match against Australia A at the Bellerive Oval which starts on Tuesday.

England's linchpin seamer is clear, though, that he must have more match practice to get himself ready for the five-Test series.

"I think I need another game. I think I need to get more miles in my legs," said Anderson.

"You can bowl as much as you want in the nets. But actually getting the overs in your legs, and having a second and third spell through the day and having to stay out in the field, is a completely different feeling.

"Then trying to bowl again in the morning, when you can barely get out of bed, is something you need to get used to again."

Anderson's absence from the England attack on the final day in Perth, it seems, was as much to do with his own preparation guidelines as others' requirements.

"I'd bowled four days in a row before that, so ... the people that matter didn't think I needed another bowl that day," he said.

"I'm sure we'll weigh up the pros and cons of playing this game, or the next one.

Matt Prior, deputising as captain while Alastair Cook rested his sore back at the WACA, noted a "gradual improvement" from the bowlers.

Anderson too was heartened by what he saw.

"I felt that the four of us were just trying to get into match mode again," he continued.

"It's easy bowling in the nets, and feeling like you're in good rhythm. But once you get out in the middle, in a game situation, it's a completely different mindset.

"I think it was just guys finding their feet out there, and the second innings showed everyone had improved."